Located in Verona, New York, Turning Stone Resort is a large resort complex that offers various entertainment options for visitors of all ages. The resort spans over 3,000 acres and features multiple hotels, golf courses, casinos, and other attractions.
Resort History and Ownership
Turning Stone Resort has been in operation since the early 1990s. It was founded by the Oneida Nation, a federally recognized Native American tribe that is based in central New York. The resort was Turning Stone Resort initially opened as an economic development project to create jobs and generate revenue for the tribe.
Today, Turning Stone Resort is owned and operated by Yonkers Racing Corporation (YRC), which acquired the property from the Oneida Nation in 2011. Despite the change in ownership, Turning Stone has continued to expand its operations and invest in new amenities and attractions.
Accommodations
Turning Stone offers a range of accommodations for visitors, including several hotels with different levels of luxury and amenities. Some popular options include:
- The Lodge at Turning Stone: This 4-star hotel is the flagship property at Turning Stone and features comfortable rooms, an indoor pool, and several on-site restaurants.
- Villa Milano: Located near the resort’s main casino building, this all-suite hotel offers spacious accommodations with kitchenettes and private balconies.
- Verona Beach Hotel: This beach-themed hotel features rooms and suites with a relaxed, coastal vibe.
All of Turning Stone’s hotels offer easy access to the resort’s amenities, including its casinos, golf courses, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Casinos
Turning Stone has two large casino buildings on-site, each offering over 140 gaming tables and slot machines. The main casino building features a range of table games, including blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat. There are also multiple poker rooms with cash game options and tournaments throughout the day.
One of the highlights of Turning Stone’s casinos is its collection of electronic gaming machines (EGMs), which offer a variety of slot-style games with progressive jackpots and other features.
Golf Courses
Turning Stone Resort is renowned for its world-class golf courses, all designed by famous architects such as Tom Fazio, Robert Trent Jones Sr., and Rick Jacobson. Some popular options include:
- Kaluhyat Golf Club: A challenging 18-hole course with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- Shenantaha-Ha Golf Course: An 18-hole course that features a mix of open fairways and tight tree-lined holes.
- Atunyote Golf Course: A challenging par-72 course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr.
Golfers can rent clubs, take lessons from PGA-certified instructors, or join a golf package to enjoy the resort’s courses without having to worry about accommodations or meals.
Entertainment and Dining
Turning Stone offers a diverse range of entertainment options for visitors, including:
- Event Center: A large venue that hosts concerts, comedy acts, and other performances throughout the year.
- The Showroom: An intimate theater space with live music and cabaret-style shows.
- Escape Room: A themed puzzle room where teams can challenge themselves to escape within a set time limit.
There are over 20 on-site restaurants at Turning Stone Resort, offering everything from fine dining options like Wildflowers and Caddie Woodlawn Clubhouse Grill, to casual eateries like the Empire Rewards Card member-only cafe. Visitors with kids will appreciate the resort’s arcade games, movie theater, and play areas for young children.
Amenities
Turning Stone offers a range of amenities that make it an ideal destination for families or groups:
- Indoor Pool: A large pool area with hot tubs, waterfalls, and lounge seating.
- Fitness Center: An equipped gym with cardio machines, free weights, and strength-training equipment.
- Spa & Salon: Offering massages, facials, and other treatments to help visitors relax and rejuvenate.
Visitors can also take advantage of the resort’s recreational activities, including hiking trails, outdoor games like cornhole and giant Jenga, or even taking a hot air balloon ride (seasonal).
Eco-Tourism
Turning Stone Resort has made significant efforts in recent years to incorporate eco-friendly practices into its operations. Some initiatives include:
- Energy-efficient lighting systems: The resort replaced traditional incandescent bulbs with more energy-efficient LED options.
- Water conservation measures: Turning Stone implemented water-saving devices and low-flow fixtures throughout the property.
- Sustainable agriculture: The resort’s gardens use organic farming methods to produce fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs for its restaurants.
Recreational Activities
Turning Stone offers a variety of recreational activities that cater to all interests:
- Outdoor movies (seasonal): Under-the-stars movie screenings with comfortable seating areas.
- Lawn games: Visitors can enjoy giant Jenga, cornhole, or horseshoes on the resort’s outdoor lawns.
- Wine tastings: Explore New York State wines and craft beers at Turning Stone’s wine bar.
User Experience
Visitors to Turning Stone Resort generally praise its friendly staff, diverse dining options, and extensive amenities. Many appreciate the property’s sprawling grounds and picturesque scenery, which make it an ideal destination for those seeking a break from urban life.
However, some visitors have reported issues with navigation within the resort complex or confusion about access to certain facilities.
Responsible Considerations
Turning Stone Resort prioritizes responsible gaming practices by offering:
- Self-exclusion options: Visitors can choose to exclude themselves from all of Turning Stone’s casinos for set periods.
- Problem-gaming resources: The resort provides information and support services for guests struggling with problem gaming behaviors.
Guests are also encouraged to gamble responsibly, with the option to track their losses or win limits through a mobile app.
Conclusion
Turning Stone Resort is an entertainment complex in upstate New York that offers a unique combination of luxury accommodations, world-class golf courses, casinos, and recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy diverse dining options, live performances, and special events amidst its picturesque surroundings.
The resort’s focus on eco-tourism initiatives demonstrates its commitment to sustainability and responsible practices. With numerous amenities catering to all interests and ages, Turning Stone remains an attractive destination for families, groups, or individuals seeking a relaxing getaway with plenty of entertainment possibilities.
